The Murim Alliance finally sent a retaliatory force to the ruins of Daeng City. It wasn't the elder Murim leaders who took charge, but rather a formidable force capable of shaking even small sects:
Shin Long Ti, a Mid-Golden rank warrior, a master of water spear technique, strict in discipline.
Kim Nawoon, a High-Golden rank warrior, former top disciple of the Fallen Cloud Sect.
Five Silver Rank Level 5 warriors from various supporting sects.
5,000 Silver Rank Level 1 soldiers, the core of the Murim Alliance army.
They moved swiftly, sweeping through the ruins and finding the traces of the Demon Fire Sect, which was still holding out, constructing magical barricades in the heart of the city.
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The Battle Begins
Under the command of Kim Nawoon, the alliance forces formed three formations: two flanks and one center. Shin Long Ti led the front, charging into the Demon Fire's magical defenses with his water spear, creating the first breach.
The Demon Fire Sect fought fiercely, with:
2,000 fanatical soldiers,
Dozens of dark fire arts users,
A cursed banner that enhanced their morale and endurance.
But Kim Nawoon remained calm. He knew the key to victory lay in destroying the curse altar guarded by three Dark Fire Masters.
The brutal battle erupted. The ground shook, fires exploded, and spears shattered. Hundreds of Silver Rank warriors fell, and the morale of the alliance forces began to falter when one of the Dark Masters summoned the Inferno Bone Beast.
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The Battle Reaches Its Peak
Suddenly, the sky split open. Dinji, an Emperor rank warrior, descended from the air surrounded by violet flames.
> "You come to burn us? You don't realize you've brought kindling into Hell."
He immediately challenged the two main warriors. Shin Long Ti's water spear clashed with Dinji's fire tongue, creating a burning steam shower. Kim Nawoon slipped from the shadows, aiming for Dinji's heart, but his opponent seemed to anticipate the attack—blocking it with a single finger glowing with fiery aura.
Meanwhile, Kenya, a General rank warrior, charged at three Silver Rank warriors. Swinging his massive sword, he split the earth and took down one warrior in just two strikes. A bloody duel broke out, forcing the Silver Rank warriors to use their secret techniques.
Guso, a General rank warrior skilled with fire spear and trickery, held back the other two Silver Rank warriors. He struck swiftly with hot mirages. One warrior was pierced in the thigh, while the other defended with the Metal Body Technique.
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Turning Point
As the alliance forces began to waver, a blue arrow pierced the night sky—Kim Jheon Mo, a Mithril rank warrior, appeared silently. He breached the altar and destroyed it with a single illusionary strike: "Last Wing of the Sky Eagle."
The curse shattered. The morale of the Demon Fire forces collapsed. Dinji realized the silent betrayal and turned to retreat—but it was too late. Shin Long Ti and Kim Nawoon launched a combined attack:
> "Sky Wave Spear!" "Dead Wind Sword Shadow!"
Dinji was injured, blood dripping from his body, now burning.
> "You think this is the end? I... am just the beginning."
He retreated in a blaze of fire, disappearing into the cursed fog. Kenya and Guso, seeing the tides turn, fled in the red mist.
The Murim Alliance won.
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The Remaining Shadows
As night fell, Kim Nawoon remained alone, then met with Kim Jheon Mo, who was preparing to leave quietly.
> "What made you come?" asked Kim Nawoon.
Kim Jheon Mo gazed at the moon and answered briefly:
> "Cheon Ji... knows this is not just a sect of burners. They're testing the waters. And the alliance... is almost sinking."
He vanished into the shadows, leaving one thing on the ground: the symbol of the Blue Eagle Sect, broken in half—a sign that the war was far from over.